By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A significant official update on his NBA career was far from the answers delivered by Jonas Valanciunas in a media session on Monday.
Launching preparations for the EuroBasket 2025 with the senior national team of Lithuania, the 33-year-old center showed up on the opening day of training camp.
“Let’s talk about the national team,” he responded to an initial question about being traded from the Sacramento Kings to the Denver Nuggets in the NBA, amid strong interest from Panathinaikos Aktor.
“I don’t know yet,” he then commented about being the only available NBA player on the team coached by Rimas Kurtinaitis, “The national team has not officially started yet. Has it? There is still time for something else until the evening.”
“It’s always fun to play for Lithuania, to participate in training camps, to put on the national team’s jersey,” he dribbled the next question about changing four NBA teams over the last year, from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Washington Wizards, and from there to the Kings, and, most recently, to the Nuggets.
His current contract is guaranteed for the 2025-26 season and is worth approximately $10 million, with a team option valued at $10 million for the 2026-27 season. From the EuroLeague powerhouse, the reported offer is at €12 million for the next three years.
“I’ve been there. I’ve played several times,” he added about visiting Denver to clarify his status heading to the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season.
“When I am sure, I will talk about everything. You will be the first to know, for sure,” he quickly wrapped up questions about his future.
Lithuania was drawn into Group B of the preliminary round, to face Great Britain, Montenegro, Germany, Finland, and Sweden in Tampere, between August 27 and September 3. The top four seeds will advance to the knockout stage, to be played in Riga from September 6 to 14.
Photo Credit: FIBA